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March 24, 2026
适时(適時)shìshí(shi4shi2)
适时 (shì shí) refers to something that is done at the appropriate or right time. It is often used in contexts where timing is crucial, such as in decision-making, events, or actions that need to align with circumstances for optimal results.
Frequency#20211DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, timing is often viewed as crucial for success, whether in business negotiations, festivals, or even social interactions. The concept of '适时' resonates with the importance of harmony and appropriateness in Chinese philosophy.
Memory Tip
Remember 适时 as 'shì' sounds like 'she' and 'shí' sounds like 'she's'. Imagine 'she' arrives at the perfect time for a surprise party, making it 'timely' and apt. The character 适 has the radical for 'to fit' or 'to adapt' (合), which connects to the idea of being suitable or appropriate.
Meanings of 适时
shìshí(shi4shi2)
1timely
2apt to the occasion
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About 适时
适时Simplified
適時Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 适时
Podcast: 适时
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AI Study Notes for 适时
Quick Contrast
合适 (héshì) — use 适时 when emphasizing the importance of timing, while 合适 focuses on suitability or appropriateness in a broader sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Remember 适时 as 'shì' sounds like 'she' and 'shí' sounds like 'she's'. Imagine 'she' arrives at the perfect time for a surprise party, making it 'timely' and apt. The character 适 has the radical for 'to fit' or 'to adapt' (合), which connects to the idea of being suitable or appropriate.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 适时 with 及时 (jí shí), which means 'in time' rather than 'at the right time'. Use 适时 in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing strategies or plans that need to be executed at the right moment.
HSK Study Tips
适时 does not appear in the HSK lists but is useful for students at HSK 4 and above. Focus on how it pairs with other time-related expressions like 及时 and when discussing events or actions that require careful timing.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, timing is often viewed as crucial for success, whether in business negotiations, festivals, or even social interactions. The concept of '适时' resonates with the importance of harmony and appropriateness in Chinese philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 适时 with 及时, mistakenly using 适时 when they mean 'on time'. For example, saying '我适时完成工作' (I completed the work timely) should be corrected to '我及时完成工作'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 适时
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Cultural Notes for 适时
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, timing is often viewed as crucial for success, whether in business negotiations, festivals, or even social interactions. The concept of '适时' resonates with the importance of harmony and appropriateness in Chinese philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions about 适时
Yes, it's commonly used to discuss strategies or proposals that need to be executed at the right time.
No, while both relate to time, 适时 emphasizes appropriateness while 及时 emphasizes being on time.
Break it down into 'shì' (sounds like 'she') and 'shí' (sounds like 'she's'). Think of 'she's here right on time'.
